Silver medallist judoka left out of national squad

Shah Hussain becomes victim of internal politics, says father.


Natasha Raheel August 22, 2014

KARACHI:


Former Pakistan boxer Hussain Shah revealed that his son and Commonwealth Games silver medallist Shah Hussain Shah may not be able participate at the World Judo Championships in Russia.


The Olympian believes that “petty politics and personal differences” pushed Pakistan Judo Federation Secretary Masood Ahmed to delay the visa process, thereby rendering the 21-year-old judoka incapable of obtaining airline tickets to fly off to Russia for the event.

“Masood had informed us that he was taking care of the visa, but refused just two days prior to the team’s departure,” the 1998 bronze-winning Olympian told The Express Tribune.

“I ended up talking to Pakistan Olympics Association President Arif Hassan, who assured me that there was nothing to worry about and instantly arranged for the visa. But now there are no seats left on the airlines.”

Shah Sr further believes that the ‘criminal’ attitude of the PJF official is based on the fact that Shah Jr did not take his permission earlier to enter the Commonwealth Games.

“Masood said that since my son went to Glasgow without his permission, the PJF will not support his endeavours nor will they send the tickets or bear the accommodation and food expenses,” said Shah Sr.

“We never took any help from the PJF, but Masood’s intentional delay in informing us about the details was criminal.”

The Olympian hopes to see his son win the gold as he himself once did for Pakistan, and does not want to get involved in any politics.

“We want to serve Pakistan. I’m not siding with any party; all I know is that I want my son to win medals for Pakistan.”

The PJF official were unavailable to comment on the issue despite several attempts by The Express Tribune.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 23rd, 2014.

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